Learners advocate for speed limit reduction around schools

WINDHOEK, 26 MAY  – Learners from AI Steenkamp Primary School and People’s Primary School on Thursday handed over a petition to the City of Windhoek asking for the reduction of the speed limit from 45 to 30 kilometres per hour (km/h) around schools.
The learners partnered with the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund and the Private Sector Road Safety Forum (PSRSF) in handing over the petition to Katutura East Constituency Councillor, Ruben Sheehama.
Delivering the petition, PSRSF Chief Executive Officer, Horst Heimstadt said when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle driving 30 km/h, they have a 90 per cent chance of survival. In comparison, a pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 45 km/h has a 50 per cent chance of survival.

“The difference of a few kilometres per hour can mean the difference between life or death,” said Heimstadt.
Head girl of AI Steenkamp, Elisia Momhito said many schools are situated close to roads with high traffic flow and motorists driving fast around schools jeopardise the safety of learners.
“We, therefore, appeal to the mayor and all other stakeholders to ensure that the speed limit around schools is reduced,” she said.
MVA’s Manager for Public Education, Eliphas Rukambe said road safety stakeholders and schools will not win the cause without the voices of the children.
“I believe you have made your voices loud and clear… and it will receive the maximum attention it requires. This should be implemented as soon as possible,” he said.
Sheehama received the petition on behalf of the City of Windhoek.
(NAMPA)